Good Design, Everyday Objects: Mugs

There are few items I look at more frequently than my coffee mug. Yes, I know. I should probably be looking at the ocean or the sun, my daughter's smiling face or my English Setter's sheepish human-like grin. But the truth is: I spend a lot of time looking at my laptop, and situated right next to it, like an extra appendage, is my coffee mug.

It just makes me feel good (in fact, my coffee seems to taste even better) when that mug is beautiful.

In her new book, "Happier at Home," best-selling author Gretchen Rubin says that we often deny the importance of possessions when in fact, they can actually contribute to our happiness. We don't want to be materialistic, of course. But the truth is, beautiful things (consumed in moderation! I repeat: moderation!) can make us happy. And if that beautiful thing is the coffee mug you bought on your vacation in Maine last summer, the memory of that fond occasion brings can bring an even bigger smile to your face.

"We often don't spend enough time and attention," Rubin muses, "thinking about how possessions could boost happiness." I don't need to think much longer about this one: a pretty coffee mug makes my morning just a little bit brighter.

When it comes to coffee, (or chai, green tea, hot chocolate; whatever hot beverage you fancy!) it just tastes better when it looks better.